Business Bank Accounts for Cleaning Companies

Get your cleaning finances shipshape

A dedicated business bank account keeps your cleaning company’s money separate, organised and easier to manage. If you run a limited company or LLP in the UK, you must use a business account because the company is a separate legal entity. Sole traders are not legally obliged, but most accountants strongly recommend it to avoid muddled records and to make tax simpler. Modern providers make this painless with app-first onboarding and tools that reduce admin while you’re on the road between jobs.

There is no one-size-fits-all option. Some cleaners handle cash from domestic clients, while others invoice property managers and get paid by bank transfer. The right account depends on how you get paid, how often you deposit cash, and whether you need extras like invoicing, VAT pots or international payments. This guide explains what to expect, how to choose and the key points to check before you open an account or switch.

Keep personal and business money separate from day one.

Who will benefit most

If you’re a UK cleaner working as a sole trader, partnership, LLP or limited company, a business account can improve bookkeeping, protect your professional image and help you scale. It is especially useful if you pay staff, buy supplies regularly, need to manage VAT, or plan to apply for finance for vehicles or equipment.

What counts as a business bank account

A business bank account is a current account in your trading name that lets you receive customer payments, pay suppliers and manage day-to-day cashflow. Most providers issue debit cards and offer online and mobile banking. Digital challengers often include invoicing, payment links and automatic expense categorisation, while traditional banks add branch services, night safes and more flexible cash handling.

UK banks typically offer accounts for sole traders and separate accounts for limited companies and LLPs. Limited companies must use a business account in the company name. Sole traders can sometimes use personal accounts, but this risks breaching terms and creates messy tax records. Many digital providers have no monthly fee tiers, though you may pay for cash deposits, ATM withdrawals or add-ons like advanced accounting tools.

How to choose and open one

Start by mapping your payment flows. If most clients pay by bank transfer, a digital-first account from providers like Starling, Tide, Monzo Business, Mettle or ANNA can keep costs low and admin light. If you regularly handle cash, consider high-street banks with branch networks such as Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest or HSBC, which usually offer over-the-counter deposits and night safes, albeit at higher fees.

Opening is usually straightforward. App-based banks often approve applications within minutes using your ID and basic business details. High-street banks may take longer and request more documentation. Check safety too: most bank accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £120,000 per banking group for eligible businesses. Some e-money providers use safeguarding rather than FSCS - fine for many, but different from deposit protection.

Common account types compared

Next steps:

• List your payment methods by volume and value.
• Estimate monthly cash deposit needs and card usage.
• Shortlist 3 providers that match your pattern.
• Check FSCS protection and integration with your bookkeeping.

Why it matters for cleaners

Cleaning businesses juggle fuel, supplies, insurance and staff costs, often with irregular income. A separate business account keeps transactions clean, making HMRC submissions and Making Tax Digital easier. Many accounts offer pots to ring-fence VAT, PAYE and corporation tax as you get paid, reducing the risk of overspending. Lenders and leasing firms also rely on account data to assess turnover and cashflow, so tidy statements can improve approval odds for vans or equipment.

Costs vary. Traditional business accounts often charge around £5-£8.50 per month plus transaction fees. Digital providers may have no monthly fee but charge for cash deposits or extras. Choosing the right tariff for how you actually get paid prevents profit erosion. If you work with overseas property owners or agencies, consider multi-currency options like Wise Business or Revolut Business to receive, hold and convert funds at competitive rates.

Pros and cons at a glance

Watchouts before you apply

Look beyond headline pricing. Check the tariff for cash deposits, ATM withdrawals, international transfers and replacement cards. If you collect cash regularly, branch access or night safes can justify a higher monthly fee. Confirm whether the provider is a fully licensed UK bank with FSCS protection or an e-money institution using safeguarding - both can be suitable, but the protections differ. If you use Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent, ensure the account integrates cleanly and supports real-time feeds. Review card controls if staff buy fuel or supplies, and set per-card limits to prevent overspend. Finally, plan for growth - multiple user access, batch payments, and the ability to add credit or overdrafts later will help as you take on larger contracts.

Alternatives if a standard account is not ideal

1. E-money business accounts with safeguarding and fast onboarding.
2. High-street bank accounts prioritising branch and cash services.
3. Multi-currency accounts for overseas landlords or Airbnb hosts.
4. Merchant services with payment links and card readers for on-site payments.
5. Business prepaid or expense cards with spend controls for teams.
6. Credit unions or building societies where local support is a priority.

Frequently asked questions

Do sole traders legally need a business account?

No. Sole traders are not legally required to have one, but many banks restrict business use of personal accounts. A dedicated business account keeps records clean and makes tax simpler.

How much will a business account cost each month?

Traditional banks often charge around £5-£8.50 per month plus transaction fees. Many digital providers have no monthly fee on basic tiers but charge for cash deposits, international payments or advanced tools.

Is my company’s money protected if a provider fails?

If your account is with a UK bank, eligible business balances are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per banking group. E-money accounts are not FSCS protected, but funds are safeguarded separately.

Which account is best for cash-heavy cleaning work?

If you take regular cash, high-street banks with branches, counters and night safes usually suit better, even at higher fees. If you receive mostly bank transfers, a digital account can reduce costs.

Can I switch without disrupting client payments?

Yes. Many UK providers support the Current Account Switch Service, which moves direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments within seven working days, with a guarantee if anything goes wrong.

How Switcha supports your decision

Switcha will connect you with the best options for what you’re looking for, based on how your cleaning business gets paid and the tools you need. We compare costs, features and safety so you can choose with confidence, then guide you through opening or switching with minimal hassle.

Important information

This article provides general guidance only and is not financial or tax advice. Features and eligibility can change, and fees vary by provider and usage. Always check the latest terms and consider professional advice for your specific circumstances.